Loved the Hotel Algarve Casino
by TripAdvisor Member TheBlackSheep
Just back from a brilliant week with friends staying at the Algarve Casino Hotel in Praia da Rocha. Had read previous review on 5th June from some person who refused to stay after seeing hotel and moved to the Oriental next door. Was very apprehensive but did not need to be. Whilst the exterior is not the most modern in appearance the interior is well laid out and the rooms are big, airy and spotlessly clean. The beds get a special mention for being so comfortable. Facilities in the Hotel were excellent and the views from the sea view rooms were exceptional. Staff bent over backwards to be of help. Praia da Rocha is not the most picturesque of resorts(Skyscrapers abound) but the beach and good, inexpensive restaurants compensated for this. Building works are taking place opposite the front entrance to the hotel and this could affect land view rooms( Should only be for a further short period of time as they appear almost complete). I would recommend a sea view room(an extra 23euro per night but well worth it).
Do not be put off by initial appearance would highly recommend it and will be back
Gamble on the beach
by lmforrister about Hotel Algarve Casino
This Casino is located along the beach and is next door to a stylish hotel which offers a true Portugese atmosphere!
Not a 5 Star!
by A TripAdvisor Member
The photo's in the brochure of this hotel looked stunning. We arrived at the Hotel Algarve Casino and were placed in double room overlooking the sea. The views were amazing but unfortunately we were placed on the 1st floor and had about 20 ft of concrete at just below eye level. After a few days it became part of the scenery and the views of the beach and sea were stunning. If staying here and views are your thing - then request a sea view. All other rooms have a poky window without a balcony with views over the road and the high building opposite.
The rooms are shabby, consisting of dark wood, dark curtains, little lighting and very unreliable and inefficient air conditioning. The bathrooms however light, airy and clean. Staff are relatively friendly - the waiting staff much more so than the reception staff. This is definitely more of a high 3 star/low 4 star hotel and by no means a 5 star.
The location of the hotel is ideal if you want the bars/clubs and restaurants in 2 minutes walking distance - however just far enough away to avoid any disturbances and noise from the strip. The marina is a short stroll either along the beautiful new boardwalk on the beach or up the road and down a large flight of stairs. The boardwalk's restaurants/bars are opening mid-end of August 2006 and it looks set to have a fantastic atmosphere - not sure how much noise will be generated though to the guests with a sea view. All in all - a disappointing hotel but in a fantastic location in Praia de Rocha and to near by villages and towns.
Far cry from a 5 star!!!
by TripAdvisor Member Nic7047
Couldn't agree more with the 2 star rating from an earlier reveiw and like them we checked out as soon as we could. This hotel is living off it 's reputation from the 70's or 80's. Unfortunatley upon check in we were given a room on the 4th floor, it was depressing to say the least. The next morning we asked for an alternative room with a seaview, we had already paid a lot to stay at this hotel, but decided to pay the extra for the upgrade. It was so disappointing, we were stuck at the very end of a corridor, the room was still as dark and dated as the previous and we were directly facing all the construction work. The front desk staff didn't want to know and there was no manager available until the next day. My husband went straight to the Oriental Hotel next door to check availability and they couldn't have been nicer, a far superior hotel and only graded at 4 star. Only we moved the holiday would have been a total disaster. I remember looking at the hotel on the internet and thinking it was dated from now on I will trust my instincts.
Not a 5 star Hotel
by TripAdvisor Member bigchelseafan
Nine of us stayed at the Hotel Algarve 15-19 June. Hotel was used as a base as the men were off playing golf... All had non beach side rooms, all were facing the street.
The Negatives...noise from the street can be heard, dated functional rooms, you have to pay to access the gym / spa, you have to pay to access the casino, the safe in the room did not work and they did not fix it within the time I was there, the casinio show only lasts 50 minutes and contains nudity...a surprise for the women in our group! but is only 10 euros, no pool side bar you either wait for a waiter or go to the hotel bar. Sun loungers on the beach are not free and cost 10 euros
The Postives....great beach, good pool but not heated with ample sun loungers, free towels, rooms were basic but were clean and functional, hotel reception staff were overall friendly and helpful, no entertainment other than the casino, the show or a man playing a piano in the hotel lobby seating area late in the evening, the beach decking walkway will be good when it is finished, the changing rooms by the pool are good and can be used once you have checked out of your room if you want to shower/change before heading off to the airport,
Excellent pasta/pizza restaurant if you turn right outside the hotel and about 50yrds on the opposite side of the road.
would I return.....No.
excellent
by A TripAdvisor Member
what a great hotel we visited with my 6 year old daughter stayed half board.the sea view rooms are very spacious nice bathroom with bath robes lots of storage space furniture and decor a bit dated for 5 star but very clean amazing views on 5th floor. food was deffinately 5 star breakfast had lots of variety buffet style dinner was waiter service who couldnt do enough for you menu was a la carte which was extra or a choice from half board menu which was four course inc appetiser great variety lots of seafood ,steaks ect very picture on a plate but a lot of it, sweets were to die for choice of about 10 the only issue i had with the hotel was that diner was at 7.30 and not enough choice for kids it was a bit late for our 6 year old and finding something she liked was difficult at first but in the end got there. I would highly reccommend this hotel and deff go back again great location right on beach lots of bars and restutaunts within walking distance and kids entertainment excellent.
Really Really nice !
by A TripAdvisor Member
I have been reading the reviews for this hotel for a couple of months prior to our departure. I read alot of good reviews but then some were the complete opposite giving a very bad review. I thought this hotel was great, probably the best hotel I have stayed in abroad. My boyfriend isn't that fussy but I like luxury and this was just that. I have read peoples reviews saying the rooms are dated, we had a sea view room on the first floor, with a massive double bed, enough drawers and hangers more than what was needed. I loved the bathroom, it had a full marble effect, big bath towels (fresh every day)and the shower is a really good power shower. What really impressed me was the how clean your room is kept the cleaners come everyday and often had our room spotless and like new whilst we had breakfast. The breakfasts lovley too, loads of choice fresh fruit, hot food, cakes my boyfriend had a glass of champagne every morning. The staff at the hotel were so friendlyfrom the cleaners to the pool staff to the reception staff they always made conversation with you. The only let down to this hotel is the casino, although the casino its self is okay it was very empty when we went, I think there were just one other couple but don't let this put you off we still had a laugh losing all out money!!! The pool area is spacious and we could always find a sunbed, I noticed the kids in the pool had entertainers whilst the parents sunbathed !! On our last day we left the room at 5am we were too early for breakfast so they brought us breakfast in bed at no extra cost. A perfect end to a lovley stay and I recommend this hotel to anyone.
